Studies on host specificity in Paragonimus westermani: I. Ultrastructural characterization of metacercariae and juvenile and adult worms from abnormal and definitive hosts.

Comparative ultrastructural studies have been made of newly excysted metacercariae and worms recovered from abnormal (rats) and normal definitive hosts (dogs). Worms from rats survived for prolonged periods without any growth or development in muscles of the host. They appeared to resemble metacercariae in general features, although ultrastructural observations revealed differences in the composition of tegumental granules and the development of the excretory bladder and caeca. Worms from dogs showed well-developed morphology in association with active energy metabolism and biosynthesis.